Packing a Travel First Aid Kit

No matter where you're going, it's a good idea to bring along a first-aid kit when traveling. What you need to include will depend on your personal needs, mode of travel, destination, planned activities, length of stay and local availability of health products. Here's a list of over-the-counter items you should consider packing:

● Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen

● Antidiarrheal medication

● Mild laxative

● Anti-motion sickness medication

● Antacid

● Oral rehydration salts

● Antihistamine and decongestant (separate or in combination)

● Cough suppressant or expectorant

● Antifungal and antibacterial ointments

● 1% hydrocortisone cream

● Anti-itch gel or cream and aloe gel

● Insect repellent

● Sunscreen

● Saline eye drops

● Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand cleaner

● Mild sedative, sleep aid or anti-anxiety medication

● Disposable gloves

● Adhesive bandages, gauze, adhesive tape

● Elastic bandage wrap

● Antiseptic

● Cotton swabs

● Tweezers and scissors

● Digital thermometer

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

International Travel Resources on the Web

The following websites contain reliable, up-to-date information about issues related to international travel health and safety:

The World Health Organization (www.who.int./topics/travel/en) offers general and country-specific information about the risks associated with international travel and the precautions travelers can take to reduce them.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/travel) features specific health and safety information for 239 countries plus current travel health notices, a directory of diseases and recommendations on 40 common travel health topics.

The U.S. Department of State (www.travel.state.gov) provides country-specific information about every country in the world and links to the websites of every American embassy and consulate overseas, which include lists of doctors and medical facilities in those locations.

The International Society of Travel Medicine (www.istm.org) and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (www.astmh.org/source/clinicalcdirectory/) offer listings (but not endorsements) of travel clinics in the United States and other countries operated or staffed by their members.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.